Say what you want done.
Start with an action: write, explain, compare, plan, summarise or check.
Add the facts that matter.
Who is it for? What is the situation? What has already happened?
Set limits and priorities.
Name the length, budget, tone, deadline or anything it must avoid.
Describe a useful answer.
Ask for steps, a checklist, a table, a draft or several options.
“Give me dinner ideas.”
Help me plan three easy dinners for two people. We have chicken, rice, carrots and eggs. Keep the extra shopping under $25. Each meal should take less than 30 minutes. Give me a table followed by one combined shopping list.
The best follow-up may be shorter than the first prompt.
ChatGPT remembers the current conversation. You can improve the answer with natural instructions such as:
Clear prompting improves the answer. It does not guarantee truth.
ChatGPT can misunderstand you, use outdated information or state an incorrect claim confidently. Check important names, dates, figures, quotations and advice. For medical, legal or financial decisions, use qualified professional guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need special prompt words?
No. Clear everyday language works well. The useful ingredients are a goal, relevant context, limits and the answer format you want.
Should a prompt be long?
Only as long as necessary. Add detail that changes the answer and remove repetition.
What if the first answer is wrong?
Correct the mistake, add missing context and ask ChatGPT to try again. Verify important information with reliable sources.